Asinara Primed For Adelaide Classic

A move up to G1 class wouldn't usually make for an easier assignment, but in the case of Asinara, the Australasian Oaks at Adelaide's Morphettville racecourse on Saturday, May 7 could be just that.

Asinara (John O'Shea/Damien Oliver) comes into the G1 fillies' classic off a campaign that has been aimed at the race and a last start fourth in open three-year-old company at G3 level.

"Her last run was very good behind a couple of nice colts, including her stablemate Old North, so I wasn't disappointed at all," said trainer John O'Shea.

"She's up against fillies here and the 2000 metres should suit her, unfortunately she's drawn wide, but she's held her form and the team in Adelaide is quite pleased with her work."

At her most recent start Asinara finished fourth behind He's Our Rokkii in the G3 Packer Plate at Randwick and before that the daughter of Teofilo had made a strong impression, particularly in her victory at Rosehill in January when giving a long start before cruising home.

Asinara will hopefully be joined in the Oaks by Artesian (John O'Shea/Jamie Kah) who is an emergency acceptor and needs at least three withdrawals in order to gain a start.

"We're hoping she gets a run because I think she's capable of improving on her last start when she didn't relax at all. Before that she'd been racing well against colts in Melbourne and has worked nicely this week."

The consistent Demonstrate (John O'Shea/Craig Williams) completes the Adelaide line-up on a day when Godolphin's Australian team is represented in stakes races in three Australian states.

Demonstrate runs in the G2 Euclase Stakes in which he must contend with a wide barrier and some useful opposition.

"He has a bit to overcome, but he very rarely runs a bad race and that consistency makes him a chance every time he goes around," O'Shea said.

Demonstrate has been runner-up at his latest two starts, both in Melbourne, the most recent behind Rageese at Sandown.